Another 338

[Blkram]

Here we go again!
(Sounds like an 80's heavy metal song! LOL)

Adding another 338 caliber rifle to the battery!
Am buying a Marlin 338 MX in the 338 Marin Express.
This is the wood/blued model with the 22" barrel.
Have seen ammo on LGS shelves since its introduction back around 2009, but have never laid eyes on an actual rifle.
The fellow ordered this rifle back when first introduced, and put about 3 boxes of ammo through it over the years, and is selling as he never shoots it anymore. (Loves his 45-70!)

Will pair nicely with my other Marlins. my 2, 338 Federals, 338-06 and 338 Win Mag.

 

[ShadeTree]

Sounds like a great rifle on its own front, along with being very hard to get. Don't know what you paid for it, but rifles like that continue to gain value day by day just sitting there. Just about impossible to go wrong on them. Congrats on a great purchase.

 

[SJB358]

Dang, that is a cool one I have never seen one of up would scoop up!

 

[JD338]

Nice find, congratulations. Post some pictures when you get it home.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

Ya, it was a shame that Marlin didn't make more of those... Should prove to be a useful and fun rifle.

Regards, Guy

 

[Blkram]

Remember reading articles about the 338 ME when first introduced, and put it on the Wish List back then.
Did some more research on it last night, after talking to the gentleman that owns it and making the deal. Similar ballistics to the 338 Federal, if not quite as powerful (using data derived from the 24" barreled MXLR version). I will lose approx. 50 fps with the 22" barrel, but for the brush and meadow hunting I will be using it for, for moose, bear and/or elk inside 200-250 yards, it should prove just fine. And to be honest, I prefer the slightly shorter barreled version as it will prove to handle better in the brush. Looking at some of my handload data for 200 gr loads for the 338 federal, performance does look to be virtually identical.
If someone wants to run QuickLoad for me for potential loads with the Hdy 200gr FTX bullet and the Speer 200 gr Hot Cor in the 22" barrel, I would be grateful! Max pressure 47,500 PSI.
Factory loads most likely use the Leverevolution powder (I believe, as that is the ammo line)
I had forgotten that it had been based off the 376 Steyr case, but does not actually use that case (rimmed vs rimless). A cool factor for me, as I have a 376 Steyr and really like the cartridge, which has worked great on elk and bison to date.

Another cool factor for me is adding another hard to find Marlin to the collection!

The Marlin 336ER in 356 Win was limited to 2441 rifles from 1983-86.
The Marlin 1984S in 41 Rem Mag was only produced from 1984 and 1988, with the first run of 1,040 rifles in 1984, with a second run scheduled in 1988 for 2,500 more ( book does not confirm if that number were produced). From the s/n, mine appears to be from the latter run.
The Marlin 375S in 375 Win was only produced from 1980-83 and 16,315 rifles produced. (Not as rare)

Unfortunately, my Marlin book predates this Model (ME). Will have to do further research to find out how rifles were actually produced ; unless someone here has that info?!?!?

 

[DrMike]

Cartridge          : .338 Marlin Express
Bullet             : .338, 200, Hornady FTX 33104
Useable Case Capaci: 50.604 grain H2O = 3.286 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.600 inch = 66.04 mm
Barrel Length      : 22.0 inch = 558.8 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon H380

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-10.0   90    43.02   2174    2098   32692   6264     87.2    1.420
-09.0   91    43.50   2199    2147   33770   6355     87.8    1.401
-08.0   92    43.98   2224    2197   34883   6445     88.4    1.382
-07.0   93    44.45   2250    2248   36029   6533     88.9    1.364
-06.0   94    44.93   2275    2299   37212   6620     89.5    1.345
-05.0   95    45.41   2301    2351   38435   6706     90.1    1.325
-04.0   96    45.89   2327    2404   39703   6791     90.6    1.306  ! Near Maximum !
-03.0   97    46.37   2352    2458   41017   6874     91.1    1.286  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0   98    46.84   2378    2512   42378   6956     91.7    1.268  ! Near Maximum !
-01.0   99    47.32   2404    2567   43790   7036     92.2    1.249  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  100    47.80   2430    2622   45255   7115     92.6    1.230  ! Near Maximum !
+01.0  101    48.28   2456    2678   46774   7192     93.1    1.212  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.0  102    48.76   2482    2735   48350   7267     93.6    1.195  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0  103    49.23   2508    2793   49986   7340     94.0    1.177  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  104    49.71   2534    2851   51685   7411     94.5    1.160  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0  105    50.19   2560    2910   53449   7480     94.9    1.143  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    100    47.80   2572    2938   54848   7281     97.9    1.135  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    100    47.80   2253    2255   36190   6630     84.0    1.352

Cartridge          : .338 Marlin Express
Bullet             : .338, 200, Hornady FTX 33104
Useable Case Capaci: 50.604 grain H2O = 3.286 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.600 inch = 66.04 mm
Barrel Length      : 22.0 inch = 558.8 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 46250 psi, or 318 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 112 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

1 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
ReloadSwiss RS 60 *T               106.1     51.9     3.36    2536    96.3    46250    8116   1.185  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho 17                           105.4     51.6     3.34    2528    95.4    46250    7945   1.186  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-17 *T              105.4     51.6     3.34    2528    95.4    46250    7945   1.186  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 62                  110.7     54.1     3.51    2517    92.7    46250    7807   1.192  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350                      111.5     52.0     3.37    2516    93.7    46250    7676   1.197  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 *C*T               107.4     51.2     3.32    2501    93.3    46250    7649   1.198  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-16 *C *T           109.9     49.9     3.24    2495    93.2    46250    7649   1.191  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RL16 TZ *C *T               109.9     49.9     3.24    2495    93.2    46250    7649   1.191  ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP *C                       110.5     51.0     3.30    2495    93.3    46250    7557   1.195  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation         110.5     51.0     3.30    2494    93.3    46250    7554   1.195  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064                      102.9     46.9     3.04    2485    99.4    46250    7092   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3                         102.7     48.4     3.14    2484    96.7    46250    7314   1.216  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old                      102.7     48.4     3.14    2484    96.7    46250    7314   1.216  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 70 *C               108.6     53.9     3.50    2482    90.4    46250    7849   1.194  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495                       96.9     44.2     2.87    2478   100.0    46250    6819   1.245  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 511                106.8     53.1     3.44    2478    90.2    46250    7587   1.197  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365                       112.0     52.0     3.37    2477    96.2    42930    7691   1.226  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon LVR                        107.1     49.9     3.24    2477    92.3    46250    7402   1.198  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                     110.3     53.1     3.44    2477    90.2    46250    7574   1.197  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                       104.4     51.5     3.34    2476    89.2    46250    7499   1.198  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                     104.4     51.5     3.34    2476    89.2    46250    7499   1.198  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903                      105.0     48.4     3.14    2475    96.4    46250    7221   1.217  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 518                111.1     53.5     3.47    2473    89.5    46250    7573   1.198  ! Near Maximum !
Shooters World Match Rifle          97.1     46.7     3.03    2471    98.6    46250    6991   1.221  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520                       94.9     46.7     3.03    2471    98.6    46250    6991   1.221  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.6                        97.1     46.7     3.03    2471    98.6    46250    6991   1.221  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355                       104.0     47.5     3.07    2459    96.1    46250    7133   1.219  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N160 *C                 106.7     50.8     3.29    2451    93.0    46250    7101   1.202  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                       101.0     48.1     3.12    2447    93.0    46250    7166   1.219  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                112.0     50.5     3.28    2438    94.9    44582    7088   1.216  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 NT *C ~approximation    110.1     52.1     3.38    2437    88.7    46250    7171   1.206  ! Near Maximum !
Shooters World SW4350              108.8     50.2     3.25    2430    89.9    46250    7114   1.222  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S070                         108.8     50.2     3.25    2430    89.9    46250    7114   1.222  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.5                        90.2     45.1     2.93    2424    97.9    46250    6698   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation          111.7     52.1     3.38    2417    85.3    46250    7117   1.206  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4                        111.7     52.1     3.38    2417    85.3    46250    7117   1.206  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 *C                       108.1     52.1     3.38    2417    85.3    46250    7117   1.206  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 7                    94.9     47.5     3.08    2416    92.8    46250    6869   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S065                         106.9     48.8     3.16    2415    91.7    46250    6945   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Shooters World Long Rifle          106.9     48.8     3.16    2415    91.7    46250    6945   1.227  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R901                       94.3     41.8     2.71    2412    98.9    46250    6579   1.251  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209                        112.0     52.0     3.37    2395    84.1    45069    7117   1.219  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907                      104.9     48.0     3.11    2389    88.5    46250    6797   1.229  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7                         104.9     48.0     3.11    2389    88.5    46250    6797   1.229  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC                       101.6     48.1     3.11    2389    88.5    46250    6792   1.229  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904                      112.0     51.5     3.34    2383    83.8    46125    6800   1.214  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 *C              112.0     52.2     3.39    2381    84.2    43051    7155   1.243  ! Near Maximum !

 

[hunter24605]

Great find! Congratulations...I only have one 338 cal and its an AR10 in 338 Fed I use for hogs or hunting deer in thickets.

 

[Blkram]

Thanks!
If I were ever to be tempted by an AR rifle, it would be in 338 Federal. Unfortunately they were restricted, and now are on the prohib list, so no interest as I cannot hunt with it.

Did find a little more info on-line...
Apparently 5000 rifles made in 338 ME, with the stainless/laminate w/ 24" barrel and wood/blued w/ 22" barrel - no info as to #'s for each.
There may have been a 22" barreled stainless/laminate too, but just the one mention of it.

 

[DrMike]

Remember reading articles about the 338 ME when first introduced, and put it on the Wish List back then.
Did some more research on it last night, after talking to the gentleman that owns it and making the deal. Similar ballistics to the 338 Federal, if not quite as powerful (using data derived from the 24" barreled MXLR version). I will lose approx. 50 fps with the 22" barrel, but for the brush and meadow hunting I will be using it for, for moose, bear and/or elk inside 200-250 yards, it should prove just fine. And to be honest, I prefer the slightly shorter barreled version as it will prove to handle better in the brush. Looking at some of my handload data for 200 gr loads for the 338 federal, performance does look to be virtually identical.
If someone wants to run QuickLoad for me for potential loads with the Hdy 200gr FTX bullet and the Speer 200 gr Hot Cor in the 22" barrel, I would be grateful! Max pressure 47,500 PSI.
Factory loads most likely use the Leverevolution powder (I believe, as that is the ammo line)
I had forgotten that it had been based off the 376 Steyr case, but does not actually use that case (rimmed vs rimless). A cool factor for me, as I have a 376 Steyr and really like the cartridge, which has worked great on elk and bison to date.

Another cool factor for me is adding another hard to find Marlin to the collection!

The Marlin 336ER in 356 Win was limited to 2441 rifles from 1983-86.
The Marlin 1984S in 41 Rem Mag was only produced from 1984 and 1988, with the first run of 1,040 rifles in 1984, with a second run scheduled in 1988 for 2,500 more ( book does not confirm if that number were produced). From the s/n, mine appears to be from the latter run.
The Marlin 375S in 375 Win was only produced from 1980-83 and 16,315 rifles produced. (Not as rare)

Unfortunately, my Marlin book predates this Model (ME). Will have to do further research to find out how rifles were actually produced ; unless someone here has that info?!?!?

Gil asked me to put up a picture of his 338 ME now that he has it set up.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Nice. Dan.

 

[JD338]

Very nice Gil. Hope you can field test that hammer on some of BC's bigger critters this fall.

JD338

 

[Blkram]

Have had a chance to sight it in.
Shoots nice, although the trigger is pretty heavy (approx. 8 lbs pull), it breaks clean and crisp.
The Hdy 200 gr FTX load is producing 2" groups, and the Remington 250 gr Corlokt is just slightly tighter. Definitely not my most accurate Marlin, but still minute of moose out to 300 yards! Will have to chrony to determine actual ballistics in my rifle.
Recoil is not objectionable with either load, but you do notice it more with the heavier load.

Will have to see what handloads do for this round once I have some spent brass to reload and develop a load with.

 

[salmonchaser]

Always a fan of 338, hope you get to use it to effect.

 

[Guy Miner]

"Minute of moose."

I like that. Cool rifle, and it looks great. I'd imagine that it will serve you well.

Regards, Guy

 

[KinleyWater]

Now that's a nice piece of hardware; classy looks, medium bore, plenty of power... That's a rifle I could take home to meet mom.

 

[orchemo]

Had one and passed it along a few years ago. Mine shot well, I ended up using 200gr AB and removing the tips for a FP.

If you need some brass, I have some once fired. Send me a PM

 

[NYDAN]

Congratulations. Looks like a great find. I was intrigued by those as well but never acted on it. Dan